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goalkeepers DRILLS
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Attacking the Crossed Ball

Organize groups of 6. Station goalkeepers in a goal at each end line. Place 2 players inside the area and 2 wide players outside the area. Goalkeepers should have a supply of balls. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. White goalkeeper distributes the ball to player white 1, who advances the ball up the touchline with his first touch and crosses the ball to player white 2 with his second touch. Keepers must stay on their line throughout the practice. Repeat in the opposite direction from red goalkeeper to red player 1 and red player 2. The wide player should attempt to vary his crosses to near, middle and far post positions.

Crossing and Finishing

Clinical Finishing

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers at each end. The object of the game is to score in the opposing goal. Only the attacker with the ball can go into the end area from a through pass from a teammate or by dribbling in. No defenders are allowed in this area. Goalkeepers must stay on their line until the ball enters their goal area. Attackers have a maximum of 3 touches in end areas. Goals can be scored only in the end areas. Attackers have only 1 touch from rebounds from the goalkeeper. Progressions:1. Develop into allowing 1 defender to enter the penalty area also to put pressure on the attacker. The defender is nominated and is the only player allowed in.2. Reduce number of touches in the endzone to 2.3. Allow 2 attackers and 1 defender in end zone. 1st attacker has 2 touches, other attacker has only 1 touch.

Shooting

Cobi Jones Speedstar

Station small goals (2 yards wide) in each corner of the area facing in towards the field of play with no goalkeepers. Play a 4 v 4 or a 6 v 6. The teams must try to keep possession and dribble the ball through the cones in order to score.

Possession

Crossfire

Position 4 players from each team randomly within the area. Place a goalkeeper in each of the goals. The white team can score can score in the goals to the left and right of the diagram, while the blue team can score in goals at either the top or the bottom of the diagram. You can choose to make the goals 5 yards wide and play with no goalkeepers in a 6 v 6 within the area.

Conditioned games

Defensive Pressure

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

Defending

Fun 3s

The object of the game is to score in the opposing team's goal through interplay of players on the same team. The game should be 3 v 3 with no goalkeepers.

Conditioned games

Playing From The Back

Play 5 v 5 +1 goalkeeper at each end. Only defending players and goalkeepers are allowed in the end zones. The game is started by the coach playing the ball into an end zone. The object of the game is for the team to score with a shot on the opposite goal. A defensive player receives the ball from the goalkeeper at the top of the diagram. The defenders must attempt to pass the ball around the area until an opportunity arises to play the ball forward to the lone striker. Defenders and midfield players must then push forward toward the opposing goal line in support of the attack. Defenders and midfield players should retain position until they are able to play the ball forward without fear of losing possession.

Defending

Smash and Grab

Put a goalkeeper in each goal and play 1 v 1 in the middle. Play pair vs. pair for 3 minutes, then change. The object of the game is to score in the opposing goal. The team in possession must attempt to attack the opposing goal as a pair using passing, dribbling and shooting skills to score. Hence, the goalkeeper of the team in possession comes out of the goal to support his partner, but cannot score. Repeat in the opposite direction.

1 v 1 skills

Table Fusball

Position players in pairs and singles in the zones as shown in the diagram. Players must stay in their respective areas. Goalkeepers can throw or kick the ball into any area. The object of the game is for defenders (lone players) to pass to attackers(pairs) who attempt to shoot on goal. If a defensive player blocks the path to goal, the player in possession should pass the ball to a teammate in a better scoring position. Change positions after a period of time or after a goal is scored by either team. Progressions:1. Add players for groups of 2 and 3.2. Add more balls for younger players.3. Make it 2 touch for older players.

Shooting

Touch the cone

Players start facing each other and hands on their heads, with six cones of different colours between them. Coach calls out a colour, and the players must react quickly to grab that colour of cone.

Goalkeeping

Long Shots Outside of the Area...

Goalkeeper advances towards the server.Receives a pass into feet from the server.Goalkeeper then plays a first time ball back to the server.Goalkeeper to retreat back to the best position they can get into before the ball is struck for a shot at goal. Rotate goalkeepers and servers.

General

1v1 Through Ball Goalkeeping -...

One goalkeeper working two lines of attackers outside the area and about the width of the 6yd box apart.One line of attacker has the balls and plays the ball into the attacker at the other side.Attacker receiving the ball attempts to take the ball round the goalkeeper.The first server then joins Server 2 lineServer 2 who has just run through on goal joins Server 1 line.Depending on group size have two Goalkeepers taking it in turns

General

Touch the cone Goalkeeping - S...

Players start facing each other and hands on their heads, with six cones of different colours between them. Coach calls out a colour, and the players must react quickly to grab that colour of cone.

General

Long Shots- Stationary Ball Go...

Three servers to stand outside the area.Servers take turns shooting at goal with stationary balls.Goalkeeper to save the shots.

General

Fast Hands Goalkeeping - Socce...

4 Goalkeepers workingServer 1 opposite the goalkeeper and server 2 and server 3 to either side of the goalkeeper that is working.Server 1 volleys into the goalkeeper then server 2 gently throws the ball at head height to the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper then uses one hand to push the ball back to server 2.Server 1 volleys then goalkeeper gets a serve from the opposite side from server 3.NOTE:Start slowly and then increase the pace so the goalkeeper is working as fast as they can whilst still making sure of the catch from server 1.

General

Long Shots- Retreat to Set Goa...

3 servers set up outside of the area on a line, one off to the right, one central and one to the left. Cone set up on the edge of the goalkeepers box in front of the goal.Servers take turns shooting at goal. Goalkeepers advance around the cone and then retreat and gets set for saving the shot.

General

Playing Out Under Pressure Goa...

Central server or coach plays ball out to wide position (wing)Player on the wing who receives it then plays the ball into the Goalkeepers feetOne of the players on the flank runs in and closes the goalkeeper downGoalkeeper takes a touch and plays the ball into run of advancing playerEach time flank players stay on same side but swap positions

General

Sitting Keeper Goalkeeping - S...

With the goalkeeper sitting on the floor, the ball is thrown to him for him to catch, and then thrown back.

General

Handling in the Goal Goalkeepi...

Two gates at either side of the goal. Two goalkeepers working. Servers play ball into hands of the goalkeepers at the same time. Goalkeeper makes the catch and returns to the server, then receives serve into hands from opposite side. The goalkeepers get a final shot from original server getting the goalkeeper into a diving catch.

General

Long Shots- Small Sided Game G...

Make a small and narrow pitch with two goals each end and a halfway line marked with cones.Two goalkeepers each end and up to 3 players on each team.Players take shots at from behind the halfway line and keep a tally of the score.Goalkeepers can score with volleys or throws.When a goal is scored, goalkeeper rotates out and a player goes in goal.

General

Cut Back in a Restricted Space...

Set up 4 mini goals using cones. These do not need to be large as we are still working on movement.First goalkeeper moves to the byline and plays a cutback ball along the ground. The goalkeeper makes a save.If the ball is secured the goalkeeper working then comes out of the back of their mini goal, rolls a ball to themselves and then cuts the ball back to the next goalkeeper.Walk through the drill to begin with and do a full set so all of the goalkeepers know their roleRepeat until a full set has been completed.If ball is parried into danger zone GK to get up fast and try and get into line with the ball to block the impending shot

General

The Kneeling Block Goalkeeping...

Pair goalkeepers up with serverGK on knees, Server plays ball out to side of GKGK sticks leg out to block with feetNOTES:Arms in standard set position to start then spread as the shot is about to be takenWeight and head forward and try and stay upright rather than leaning to one sideLeg nearest the ball unfolds and stretches to make saveTry and get leg as low as possible the hamstring as close to the playing surface

General

Basic Goalkeeping Grip Goalkee...

M grip: Fingers spread and facing down.Almost making a "V" with the hand. Thumbs facing out.Let the ball hi the gloves and then scoop the ball up.W grip:Make a "W" with the two thumbs- thumbs not actually touching.Fingers to the sky.

General

Dealing with the Backpass Goal...

Start with one Goalkeeper, 3 defenders and 2 attackers. Set up 2 mini goals outside and wide of the penalty box.Ball is played back to the Goalkeeper from one of the defending team.As soon as the ball is played back the attacking team are live and can apply pressure. Goalkeeper passes out to defending team who pass back again to Goalkeeper. The aim is to get 2 back passes in.Once 2 back passes have been achieved, a shot at 1 of the 2 mini goals can be taken.If the attacking team intercept, they are able to take a shot at the mini goals straight away.Once one sequence has been achieved, rotate Goalkeeper.

General

Goalkeeper Handling Triangle G...

2 Goalkeepers working and 2 serversCones set out in triangleServers serve ball at same time then goalkeepers swap places on the side of the triangle

General

Fast Hands Warm Up Goalkeeping...

4 Goalkeepers working6yd x 6 yd Square2 Goalkeepers have a ball each and serve to the goalkeeper opposite simultaneously, trying to get the balls to collide to create a deflectionNOTE: Start with goalkeepers rolling the balls as they are more likely to get the balls to collide.

General

Footwork Square Warm up Goalke...

Set up a square with cones on the outside of the square.Should be about 20yds by 20yds.Goalkeeper passes the ball to another goalkepeer and then performs the footwork on the outside between the cones

General

Reflexes in Two Goals Goalkeep...

Two goals positioned 90 degrees with a space between. Server 1 positioned between the near post of each goal with half the balls. Server 2 diagonally opposite at right angles to both goalkeepers. Server 3 has the other half of the balls and is positioned diagonally opposite server 1, in the far corner from both goals. Server 1 plays the ball into server 2 who can play the ball into either goal with a first time shot. Server 3 then shoots at the goalkeeper who did not get the initial shot from server 2.Keep goalkeepers the same and rotate the servers. NOTES:Make sure server 2 plays the ball first time and that server 3 is ready to shoot at the second goalkeeper straight away. Players not working to retrieve the balls so there is always a good supply.

General

1v1 Wave Drill Goalkeeping - F...

Two goals and two goalkeepers working.Get the attackers into groups of three at each end behind the goal.The GK starts with the ball and plays it out to the attackers at the opposite end.The two or three attackers then advance at pace at the goalkeeper who threw the ball.3 touches as a team to score.Then the opposite goalkeeper starts the drill and a wave of players come in from behind the opposite goal.

General

Rebound Reactions Goalkeeping ...

Goalkeeper stood in front of two servers, all facing the same way towards the rebound net.Servers take it in turns to throw the ball into the rebound net. GK makes the catch and gets ready for the next serve.If a rebound net is not available use a wall or get a player to perform side foot volleys into the GK.

General

King Cutback Goalkeeping - Soc...

AUDIO DESCRIPTIONStart by placing the balls around a cone in a wide area. The cone or flat disc will make sure the servers do not encroach to close to the goalkeepers.One goalkeeper working. A gate on the penalty spot for the Server 2Server 1 plays the ball between the gate for Server 2 to hit first time.If S2 scores they become the goalkeeper and the goalkeeper starts at the back of the S1 line.If S2 misses they just go to the back of the S1 line and S1 takes the place of S2 no matter what the outcome

General

Step into Top Hand Save Goalke...

Cones are placed on angle opposite server 1Goalkeeper performs footwork and receives a volley or throw into hands.Then travels over the hurdle and steps into tophand save from server 2

General

Goalkeeping Passing Exercise G...

4 Goalkeepers working in a square. 1 main goal and 3 others marked with cones. Goalkeeper 1 plays volley into the Goalkeeper in the opposite goal.Goalkeeper 2 plays ball back to Goalkeeper 1 by rolling the ball on the ground.Goalkeeper one then passes to Goalkeeper 3.Goalkeeper 3 takes a touch and then shoots at Goalkeeper 4 in the main goal. Rotate clockwise after every sequence and change the start point so that the Goalkeepers get used to receiving from both sides.

General

Catch, Roll, Dive Goalkeeping ...

Goalkeeper steps away from cone comes through the gate receives a ball into hands Returns to server then gets a low shot into dive close to body Get into set position initially then step forward into low dive to save before cones in advance of initial gate Notes: Get the step in if required If serve close too the body collapse legs and get hands to the ball in front of the body Dive forward this called 'Attacking the dive'  

General

Low Dive Movement Goalkeeping ...

Without the ball goalkeeper step into low dive position and get used to landing the dive safely. Show technique for landing ball close to the body in low dive GK starts behind the cones- Forward round the cones and back for a shot close to body Note: Lower the body position in readiness for the low shot Lower the hands and make step with leading foot pointing out at around 45' Push of with nearest foot and attack the dive with nearest hand first  

General

Lateral Footwork in the Goal G...

Goalkeeper starts behind the hurdleJumps into set position and performs footwork between the the conesInto save at the endNOTES:To avoid queues when working with bigger groups of goalkeepers reduce the number of cones to do the footwork through.Also have a group working in front and behind simultaneously

General

Side Jumps Goalkeeping - Socce...

Jump sideways over a hurdle, while holding a ball. Touch the ball to the ground on each side.

General

High Save Technique Goalkeepin...

GK advances forward and takes short step over the first cone.Server 1 holds the ball as high as possible and out in front with one hand.GK then takes a shuffle step towards the ball and knocks the ball off the servers hand with their top hand.Alternate between both sides.

General

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goalkeepers SESSIONS
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Goalkeeper Footwork Drills

The best keepers in the world use their feet to make saves and to always be in the right position. Their agility and bounce comes from the timing and accuracy of their footwork. Work your keepers with this session.

Goalkeeping Basic Handling

Goalkeeping is a technical position. Having the correct technique will help with the simple saves as well as the trickier ones - work on their basic from hand positioning and leg movements to create a foundation for a top keeper to grow on.

Goalkeeper Fast Hands and reflexes

Goalkeepers reactions need to be sharp when shots are coming from in close. Work on your keepers ability to get something behind the ball even when they might not know much about it

Goalkeeping Shot Stopping From the Angle

To improve the goalkeeper making saves from shots from the angle.

Goalkeeper Movement Plan

Improve GK movement in and around the goal. Familiarise the footwork required in various common movements such as forward, backwards and across the goal.

Goalkeeper Footwork

The modern goalkeeper has to be good with their feet. Improve your keepers footwork by building their confidence to take the ball to feet with this session.

Goalkeeper Positional Recovery

Introduce goalkeepers to recovery lines and efficiency of movement across the goals. Check the GK is moving into line with the ball when making the save.

Goalkeeper Handling

The session works on the goalkeeper's hand position to promote a clean and effective catch. We also look at the position of the goalkeeper in relation to the ball and the server.

Goalkeeper 1v1's

Develop your keepers mindset to stay on their feet for as long as possible and to stay big in 1v1?s and make the attacker make a decision.

Goalkeeping Dealing with Cutbacks

Get your goalkeepers dealing with cutbacks by staying on their feet and anticipating the change of angle.

Fitness Football

Every position demands different attributes and levels of physicality, so why don?t you train your players differently to match!? Use this session to condition your players to suit their position.

Blocking with Feet

Goalkeepers must be just as good with saving balls with their feet than their hands. Develop modern goalkeepers who are agile enough to use all parts of their body to keep it out.

Goalkeeper Low Dives Close to the Body

Create goalkeepers with the confidence to save low shots, close to the body and to think of the next save with this technical session.

High Dives and Top Hand Saves

Improve the goalkeepers ability to deal with high in-swinging shots into the top corners and ensure the correct technique is being used.

Saving Variations of Shots from Distance

Improve the goalkeeper dealing with shots from distance and at an angle. Using a combination of volleys, low shots and up high strikes replicate the variations of shots keepers might receive.

Goalkeeper Reactions

Improve the ability of the goalkeeper to deal with deflected balls and improve reaction time. Focusing on the correct body position and reacting rather than anticipating where the ball is going to go.
goalkeepers ANSWERS
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drills to improve my goalkeepers kicking?

Does anyone have any drills to improve my goalkeepers kicking?. Goalkicks and drop kicks. Nick

Archived User Coach

I am doing my level 2 football coaching and need help?

I am doing my level 2 football coaching and need help with my 12 session plans that i have to do 4 of them have to be linked can anyone help me Nigel

Archived User Coach

Coach doing my FA Level 2 badge, looking for skill & SSGs on pressing?

hi im currently doing my FA level 2 badge. I have just been given my final topic on " pressing " has any one got any good technique, skill and ssg drills for this. many thanks j

Archived User Coach

Goalkeeping

My goal keeper can't jump very well, any ideas how to improve this ?

Archived User Coach

Warm up routine before football match

Hi has anyone got a good warm up routine for a under 18 team before a match?

DAN BRYAN Coach, England

What is the best pre-game warm up routine for U9 boys?

What is the best warm up routine for U9 boys before a game? Thanks Coach Heath

Archived User Coach

Coaching goalkeepers to take goal kicks

How can i teach goalies to take good goal kicks

Archived User Coach

Reaction speed drills for goalkeepers?

Hello, Wisdom again. I was just wondering if there are any drills that can increase reaction time and speed. I am a goalkeeper and I know there's the simple turn the back to the player then the goalkeeper turns on the command of 'Go' but I was wondering if there any more complex drills to increase reaction speed. Many thanksWisdom Kimbangi, Goalkeeper

Wisdom Kimbangi Coach, England

Football Trial Preparation

Hello, my name is Wisdom Kimbangi and I am a goalkeeper. Until next year summer, I have a lot of preparation to do because I have some football next year summer. I was just wondering if you could help me.Could anyone give me the best goalkeeper drills to work on throughout the year so that I can improve?Could I also have some fitness and muscle exercises that I could do without the use of the gym?And is it possible if I could have a diet plan that goalkeepers should follow and/or a diet plan that can help reduce my weight?Many thanks, will be waiting for your reply!From Wisdom,Goalkeepr

Wisdom Kimbangi Coach, England

Decision making for goalkeepers

I need drills to help 2 goalkeepers with decision making. Thanks

Archived User Coach

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